Equine Support and Operations Manager

ASPCA • El Reno, OK

2d • $60,000 - $64,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Are you a driven horseperson ready to make a real difference for equines and the people who love them? If you thrive on purpose-driven work and the chance to shape equine welfare on a national scale, this is your moment. Join the ASPCA's Equine Welfare team and help turn passion into action — creating second chances, stronger futures, and lasting impact for equines every day. Who We Are The work of the ASPCA’s Equine Welfare Department (EW department) is aimed at the ASPCA’s goals of improving shelter capacity, expanding access to veterinary care, and leading efforts to prevent and respond to cruelty. The ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center (ETAC) operates in Oklahoma as a combination “learning lab” and state-wide solution for provision of safety-net care and transition of “hard to adopt” equines. ETAC, the ASPCA Right Horse program and its network of Partners work together to develop, improve and share practices that allow the national equine sheltering field to support and adopt out more equines, reducing cruelty and suffering. What You’ll Do The Equine Support and Operations Manager supports all Equine Transition and Adoption Center daily operations. This is a dynamic, hands-on role where no two days look the same. In this role, you'll keep operations moving by triaging daily priorities, anticipating team needs, and taking initiative to ensure equines receive timely, high-quality care. From handling horses during medical exams and supporting behavioral treatment plans to managing inventory, data entry, and equine transport logistics, you'll play a key role in the rhythm of day-to-day operations. You’ll contribute to the development of standard operating procedures, participate in team meetings, and help shape evolving workflows as we build and refine new processes to influence equine welfare strategies, nationwide. By building meaningful relationships with colleagues, community members, partner organizations, and equine professionals, the Ops Manager helps align efforts and resources to improve the lives of equines in Oklahoma and beyond. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, embraces a little ambiguity, and knows how to balance teamwork with independent action to keep everything moving forward. The Equine Support and Operations Manager has no direct reports and reports directly to the Director of Operations, Equine Transition and Adoption Center. Where and When You’ll Work This position is onsite and located in in El Reno, OK. This is a full-time position, Tuesday -Saturday 9-5, and the candidate will need to be flexible, as some early mornings, evenings, and weekends will be required. Ability and willingness to travel up to 15% annually, as needed. Is flexible, adaptable, and willing to attend mandatory staff meetings, events, and training classes that may not occur during regular work hours. Must be willing to work during inclement weather including wind, rain, snow, and heat. What You’ll Get Compensation Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary ranges for this role are set forth below and may be modified in the future. The target hiring range for this role is $60,000-$64,000 annually. Benefits Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage. Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you. Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year. Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.

Requirements

• Skilled in navigating sensitive and ambiguous client interactions with clear and compassionate communication.
• Displays care and concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals, and others, especially during stressful times.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to identify and prioritize tasks, streamline processes, and navigate through unforeseen circumstances.
• Experience safely handling equines, including those who are nervous, young, unpredictable, or unsocialized.
• Able to work closely with behaviorally and medically compromised animals; comfortable working in an environment where euthanasia is performed.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite and experience with or ability to adapt to new technologies (including Airtable, Box, Canva, etc.).
• Forms authentic, trusting relationships that enhance individual and team performance.
• Possess physical/mental stamina and ability to work on your feet 40 hours per week, sometimes through extreme weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., and have the physical capacity to bend, reach overhead, and repetitively use hands to meet the physical demands of this position.
• Must provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history.
• As part of the driving requirements of this role, must also pass a Department of Transportation Medical Exam
• Understanding and ability to tow and trailer equines
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies
• English (Required)
• High School Diploma (Required)
• Minimum 5+ years equine handling experience required
• Minimum 2+ years client-facing or customer service experience required

Nice To Haves

• Barn management, animal shelter, or veterinary clinic experience is beneficial; operations, logistics, and event management experience preferred.
• Event management or support experience preferred
• Logistics background or inventory management experience a plus
• Event management or support experience preferred
• Spanish is a plus
• Professional experience in an animal welfare environment preferred

Responsibilities

• Track all ETAC equine information using the Airtable system, including but not limited to metrics, paperwork, medical and diet information, costs, miscellaneous notes, and more.
• Oversee ASPCA Equine Welfare/ETAC inventories, including promotional stock, medical and care supplies, and conference materials.
• Fulfill and complete orders and shipments as needed for events, ASPCA Right Horse Partners, and other locations/sites as identified.
• Oversee ETAC barn maintenance, cleanliness, and organization of all on-site ETAC spaces. Ensure orderly, organized supply/storage area, enrichment/tack stall, and office.
• Working both intra- and inter-departmentally, help plan, manage, and implement events on-site including public-facing events, internal team visits, partner learning opportunities, and facility tours.
• Collaborate with Equine Welfare teammates to coordinate hosting and attendance of national conferences, events, and other off-site learning/networking opportunities.
• Help guide and enforce ETAC processes and practices. Contribute to the development and implementation of standardized documentation (SOPs, process maps, etc.).
• Assist with other tasks to support ETAC goals, community engagement and Equine Welfare department objectives.
• Manage client-facing interactions for the ASPCA ETAC, as the primary point-of-contact to respond to, track, and manage ETAC inquiries (phone, email, in-person).
• Guide clients to ensure their needs are met, even when services might be beyond ETAC’s scope and operations.
• Collaborate with Midwest Office call takers to troubleshoot hotline challenges and advise on client support strategies.
• Attend in-field appointments handling unfamiliar equines and approaching client interactions with compassion and professionalism.
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations to coordinate transportation of new intakes.
• Assist during adoption and pickup appointments, representing the ASPCA when meeting with adopters and contractors.
• Maintain a positive and professional working relationship with all ETAC contractors, partner organizations, and leaseholder team members, approaching all interactions with a united front.
• Support ETAC Volunteer Program by managing day to day work of volunteers.
• Support network of ETAC veterinary partners throughout the state of Oklahoma to schedule and provide safety-net care for clients; recruit and onboard new veterinary partners as needed.
• Inspect each ETAC equine daily, note irregularities, record or escalate as necessary.
• Oversee daily enrichment, make recommendations, build (or purchase) enrichment supplies, and develop and oversee enrichment schedule.
• Oversee turn-out schedule of ETAC equines, grooms as needed, During inclement weather where operations are severely impacted, report on-site, work with the leaseholder team to ensure ETAC horses needs are met, troubleshooting, escalating emergencies as needed, and safeguarding the care of all animals on property.
• Communicate with leaseholder team to ensure care of ETAC horses and productive barn operations.
• Coordinate feed regimens between medical and feed staff ensuring each equine receives proper feed. Update feed boards in alignment with leaseholder team process. Purchase special diets as necessary.
• Administer, or oversee administration of, ETAC equine medications as prescribed and instructed by consulting veterinary partner. Update medication binder in alignment with leaseholder team process, filing completed med sheets in Airtable.
• Provide medical treatment for ETAC horses as instructed (basic wound care, leg wraps, medicated baths, etc.)
• Catch, groom, lead, and tack horses, as needed.
• Conduct Basic Behavior Profile assessments at intake and periodically throughout pathway Assist staff, contract veterinary professionals, contract haulers, and contract trainers in handling, restraint, and training techniques that may require assistance and tool or equipment use.
• Provide basic training/behavior modification sessions for behaviorally uncomplicated equines. Capture notes, photos, and videos of sessions as requested.
• Assists the Marketing and Adoption Manager in capturing photos and videos of equines for marketing purposes.
• Advise on compassionate and strategic pathway recommendations for shelter equines, owner relinquishment and safety-net cases.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED